Volunteer with us
Volunteering at Holly Hagg is hands-on, practical work on a small, working community farm based on permaculture principles. Our sessions focus on practical tasks; looking after the land, growing food, and supporting the day-to-day running of the site. It’s a chance to take part in something ongoing, where the work changes with the seasons and the needs of the farm. People don’t just visit, they get involved and contribute to how the site develops over time. We also have opportunites to volunteer as alpaca trek guides. Please note, all unaccompanied under-18s must join via a placement.
Most people get started through our regular land volunteering sessions. Tasks are explained at the beginning, and volunteers then work independently or in small groups. The work is outdoors in all weathers and often physical. We’re a small team and rely on volunteers being able to work independently once they’ve been shown what to do. Over time, people build confidence, pick up skills, and start to understand how the different parts of the farm fit together.
As a volunteer-run site, we don’t have dedicated admin staff or an office. We do our best to respond to enquiries, but it can take a little time. Before getting in touch, please take a moment to read the information on this page and our FAQs, as most common questions are covered there.
Wednesday sessions
Wednesdays, 2–4pm.
This is our main land-based volunteering session and a good place to get started if you’re available during the week. Sessions focus on practical work on the land, including growing food, building soil and maintaining the site using a permaculture approach, with some routine animal care where needed.
Please get in touch before your first session to arrange a start date. After that, you can attend without contacting us each week.
Saturday sessions
Saturday sessions are currently full and we’re not taking on new animal care or junior volunteers at this time.
Saturdays, 2–4pm.
Saturday sessions involve a mix of land-based and animal care work across the site, including maintaining the land, supporting the day-to-day running of the farm, and routine animal care.
If you’re new to Holly Hagg, we recommend starting with a Wednesday session where possible.
Bring your office, community group or society for a team day at Holly Hagg.
Group sessions focus on practical work on the land, often helping us tackle larger tasks that are difficult to manage during regular sessions. This might include clearing areas, building structures, moving materials or supporting seasonal work across the site.
It’s a chance to spend time outdoors, work together, and contribute to the ongoing development of the farm.
👉 Find out more about Group Volunteering.
Help lead our popular alpaca treks! Trek guides support visitors, care for animals, and share the story of Holly Hagg. Training is provided, commitment required.
👉 Read more about becoming a Trek Guide.
Join the rota of volunteers who feed and check our animals outside of drop-in hours. A regular commitment, usually weekly or monthly.
👉 Learn more about the Animal Feeding rota.
Placements offer a structured way to gain experience in permaculture and animal care. All unaccompanied under-18s must join via a placement. We also welcome college, university and adult education placements.
👉 See our Placements page for details.
Now recruiting
We’re creating a small number of volunteer roles to help support sessions and the wider running of the farm. If you’re interested in taking on more responsibility, we’d be keen to hear from you about the following roles:
Session support volunteer
Farm tour volunteer
Social media volunteer
Find out more…
Session support
Session support volunteer
Support the running of our land volunteering sessions by helping to organise tasks, guide volunteers, and keep things moving smoothly on the day. This role suits someone who is confident working independently, communicates well with others, and is happy taking on responsibility as part of a small team.
Farm tour volunteer
Farm tour volunteer
Help welcome new volunteers and visitors by showing them around the site and giving a simple introduction to the animals and garden and talking about how the farm works. This includes explaining what’s happening on the land, helping people find their way, and making sure they feel comfortable getting started.